Who was St. Eustochia Smeralda and why is she important to the Monastery of Montevergine?

St. Eustochia Smeralda Calafato (1434-1485) was the founder of the religious complex and is venerated as a saint. Her uncorrupted body remains enshrined in the apsidal section of the church, making it a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking to honor this important religious figure.

What artwork should I not miss when visiting the monastery?

The monastery preserves an important painting by Giovan Battista Quagliata titled 'Madonna of the Angels with St. Francis and St. Clare' from 1658, which is a masterpiece worth seeing. The church itself is also decorated with splendid polychrome marble inlays that showcase the artistic treasures of the site.

When was the Monastery of Montevergine built and renovated?

The religious complex was founded and begun to be built in 1457 by St. Eustochia Smeralda, but was enlarged and greatly modified during the second half of the 17th century. These renovations gave the monastery much of its current ornate appearance and artistic character.

Is there a museum at the monastery and what does it contain?

Yes, an important museum is attached to the church and preserves valuable collections from the 15th-19th centuries. The museum houses textiles, vestments, and sacred silverware that offer insight into the monastery's rich religious and artistic heritage.

What makes the interior decoration of this monastery special?

The monastery features splendid polychrome marble inlays throughout the church, created during the extensive modifications of the second half of the 17th century. These decorative elements, combined with important artworks like Quagliata's painting, make the interior a remarkable example of baroque religious artistry.

← Back

Monastery of Montevergine S. Eustochia Smeralda

Name: Monastery of Montevergine S. Eustochia Smeralda
Rating: 4.1

Via XXIV Maggio, 161, 98122 Messina ME, Italia• ★★★★☆• 164 views

Anushka Mehta

Messina

About Monastery of Montevergine S. Eustochia Smeralda

The religious complex was founded by St. Eustochia Smeralda Calafato (1434-1485) whose uncorrupted body is enshrined in the apsidal section of the church, and begun to be built in 1457 and then enlarged and greatly modified in the second half of the 17th century and decorated with splendid polychrome marble inlays. Among many works, it preserves an important painting by Giovan Battista Quagliata, "Madonna of the Angels with St. Francis and St. Clare" (1658). Attached to the church is an important museum that preserves valuable textiles, vestments and sacred silverware, dating from the 15th-19th centuries.

🗺 La app de los tesoros hispanos

Plan your visit to Messina

Suggested itinerary near Monastery of Montevergine S. Eustochia Smeralda

🌅

Morning

Monastery of Montevergine S. Eustochia Smeralda

📍 Messina

›
☀️

Afternoon

AI Trip Planner Messina 2026: Revolutionizing Travel Planning

📍 0.2 km · Messina

›
🌆

Evening

The Cathedral of Messina and the largest mechanical astronomical clock in the world.

📍 0.4 km · Messina

›

Buy Unique Travel Experiences

See more on Viator.com

Explore nearby · Messina

AI Trip Planner Messina 2026: Revolutionizing Travel Planning 📍 0.2 km away The Cathedral of Messina and the largest mechanical astronomical clock in the world. 📍 0.4 km away Monumental cemetery ( Grand Cemetery ) - Messina 📍 2.4 km away Altafiumara Castle : A splendid Bourbon fortress of the 18th century 📍 12 km away Visit Reggio Calabria with music: the MuStruMu 📍 12.1 km away Calabria: an exciting day as surfers at the Giunchi beach 📍 12.3 km away Reggio Calabria and the myth of the Fairy Morgana 📍 12.5 km away Reggio Calabria: all to Corso Garibaldi for shopping 📍 12.6 km away